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IMAGINE …
sleeping under the stars after a gourmet meal,
socialising around an open fire,
watching black eagles hunt dassies off the cliffs,
experiencing the exhilaration of shooting small rapids,
paddling through unique and fascinating rock formations,
getting away from it all with a group of like-minded people, having heaps of fun
The River
Join us on this mellow Karoo river
with its fantastic rock formations interspersed with small fun
rapids. We put in at "Ou Brug", the old wagon bridge on
the Cape to Kimberley route and take out 53 km downstream at the
farm "De Kalk", site of the first diamond discovery in
1866, negotiating the largest rapids, "Bed and Breakfast"
and "Hell's Gate", en route.
Shortly after putting in the river
reaches its widest point and hard paddling is required to negotiate
this 15km section characterised by large flocks of waterfowl. We
then enter the fast flowing "Thunder alley" where small
rapids and strong hydraulics speed us on our journey for the next 33
km past "Diamantkop". After the site of the proposed
Torquay dam the river again widens, requiring a final solid paddle.
The Area
This area offers a variety of
other activities. The river is situated in fascinating rock
formations (including some glacial pavements near Douglas), the bird
habitat is varied with both water and desert birds, the night sky is
clear and star-gazing a must.
The area is also at the heart of
the diamond discoveries with a stop-over in nearby Kimberley with
it's "Big Hole" well worth it. For more information
contact the Kimberley Publicity Association.
General
- We encourage school groups to enjoy this fun
and educational trip.
- ESSA will supply all rafting and cooking
equipment, all you need bring is personal kit and a sleeping
bag. No specialised kit is required. A kit list and detailed map
will be provided.
- We eat mainly fresh foods carried in cooler
boxes and need to know beforehand if you have any food
preferences (e.g. vegetarian or diabetic).
- You will be required to sign an indemnity form,
as rafting can be dangerous.
- You will have to organise your own transport
(Calculate on a 1300km round trip from Johannesburg).
- ESSA was a founder member of the Southern
African Rivers Association (SARA) and we are therefore concerned
with safety and conservation standards.
- We do not allow alcohol or drugs to be consumed
before or during the rafting, and insist on lifejackets being
worn at all times on the river.
- We carry in wood or charcoal and remove all our
rubbish from this wilderness.
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How to Get
There
Group costs
For
all two-day trips, include all meals, use of equipment and the
services of a qualified guide for groups of eight or more:
R450 per person, excluding your transport costs.
R350 per person, for scholars or students, excl. transport.
Costs may vary as the number of people changes or if the trip
is extended to three days.
Info
For more information and
bookings:
Piers Pirow
Cell: 082 920 1752
Work: 012 305 6422
email
Waking up to 'Bed &
Breakfast'!
Kit list
We supply the boats, lifejackets, helmets,
paddles, cooking utensils and tarpaulins so it is not necessary to
bring your own. All kit is carried on the boats and space is
limited. One small tog bag (i.e. 35l daypack is ALL we have space
for)
Here is a recommended kit list:
- A warm sleeping bag (it gets cold at night)
- lightweight non-bulky gopher pad (sleeping mat)
- Two old pairs of shorts, two T-shirts and
takkies or strops
- One anorak OR jersey OR tracksuit
- One swimming costume
- Knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup
- Minimum toiletries and a torch
- Lots of sunscreen (blockout) and a hat
If you wish to bring a camera (recommended) or
binoculars put them in a watertight container (Tupperware, zip-seal
bags). To waterproof your kit put it in dustbin bags INSIDE your
kitbag. You must supply your own drinks (we provide cooldrink for
the raft) - don't bring too much as you may only consume alcohol
after the day's rafting.
Usually we sleep under the stars on the roadside
next to the 'Ou brug' on the night we arrive. We may however camp in
the campsite in Hopetown in which case you might feel like bringing
a tent (not for the river). On the river we sleep under the stars.
If it rains we put up a tarp shelter.
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